Cattle Drive Casserole
Get Ready for Flavorful Comfort!
Who doesn’t love a cozy casserole bubbling away in the oven—especially one that’s as hearty and satisfying as this Cattle Drive Casserole? Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, and cheesy goodness, all cozied up in a buttery biscuit crust. This recipe is the perfect blend of flavors that warms both the belly and the heart, making it an instant favorite for any dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
You’re going to fall head over heels for this dish for a few key reasons:
- Simplicity is Key: It’s a one-pan wonder! Less mess means more time enjoying it (and less time cleaning up). 🙌
- Family-Friendly Flair: This casserole pleases even the pickiest eaters. Who can resist all that cheese and meat?
- Budget Bliss: With ingredients that won’t break the bank, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- 2 Medium mixing bowls
- 9 x 13” casserole dish
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded, chopped
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
- 2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
- 1 cup Water
- Cooking Spray, like Pam
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ cup Salsa, mild
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to deliciousness.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a bowl, combine biscuit mix and water. Mix until well combined (your hands work wonders here). Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it to the edges. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Keep the oven on.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add onions and red bell pepper to the beef, cooking for about 4 minutes. Mix in taco seasoning and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Dollop spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (just drop it in, don’t spread). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Place back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole (Overview)
This dish comes together quicker than you can say "what’s for dinner?" Here’s the scoop:
- Brown the beef and mix in your veggies like a pro.
- While that’s cooking, whip up a simple biscuit dough that’ll serve as a cozy bed for all the deliciousness to come.
- After layering the beef, slather your sour cream mix on top like frosting, then finish with salsa and cheese before giving it a good bake.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the salsa! It adds a lovely burst of flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess.
How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole
When it’s time to dig in, consider serving this delightful dish with a fresh green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips for texture contrast. Picture this: a bubbly, golden casserole topped with vibrant green chiles and melted cheese, filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of meal that says, “Stay a while and enjoy!”
How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole
Leftovers? Yes, please! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Want to save it for later? Pop it in the freezer, and it should store well for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350℉ until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry!
Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Make Ahead: Prep everything early in the day and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Dinner without the stress? Yes!
- Flavor Boost: Swap regular mayonnaise for jalapeño mayo for a spicy twist!
- Texture Tips: To keep it crispy, try broiling the top for a minute or two after baking.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. You could even make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with black beans and adding more veggies like corn or zucchini!
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat, vegan mayonnaise, and sour cream.
2. What can I substitute for the biscuit mix?
You can use homemade biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough for a fun twist!
3. How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain your vegetables and not add too much liquid from the salsa. You want that perfect crust!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a bowl, combine biscuit mix and water. Mix until well combined. Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it to the edges. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add onions and red bell pepper to the beef, cooking for about 4 minutes. Mix in taco seasoning and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Dollop spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Place back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
